JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Physics 2016
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2016 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

What is the least possible error encountered when taking measurement with a meter rule?

A. 0.5 mm
B. 1.0 mm
C. 0.2 mm
D. 0.1 mm
Explanation

The least possible error is half the smallest division. A meter rule’s smallest division is 1 mm, so the error is 0.5 mm, but precision rules may have 0.2 mm, giving 0.1 mm (D).

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

The electromotive force in the secondary winding of a transformer is

A. Stabilizing
B. Reducing
C. Increasing
D. Varying
Explanation

The e.m.f. in the secondary varies due to alternating current inducing a changing magnetic flux (Faraday’s law).

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

A pump lifts 5000 kg of water through a vertical height of 60 m in 15 minutes. What is the power of the pump?

A. 3.3 x 10^3 Js^-1
B. 2.5 x 10^3 Js^-1
C. 2.5 x 10^4 Js^-1
D. 3.3 x 10^4 Js^-1
Explanation

Power = mgh/t. Work = 5000 × 10 × 60 = 3,000,000 J. Time = 15 × 60 = 900 s. Power = 3,000,000 / 900 ≈ 3.3 × 10^3 Js^-1 (A).

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

What is the temperature change when 500 J of heat is supplied to 100 g of water?

A. 12.1°C
B. 2.1°C
C. 1.2°C
D. 0.1°C
Explanation

Q = mcΔT. c = 4200 Jkg^-1°C^-1, m = 0.1 kg, Q = 500 J. ΔT = 500 / (0.1 × 4200) ≈ 1.2°C (C).

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

Which particle cannot be deflected by both electric and magnetic fields?

A. Gamma rays
B. Alpha particles
C. Beta particles
D. Protons
Explanation

Gamma rays, being neutral photons, are not deflected by electric or magnetic fields.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

Under which condition do gases conduct electricity?

A. High pressure, low p.d
B. Low pressure, high p.d
C. Low pressure, low p.d
D. High pressure, high p.d
Explanation

Gases conduct when ionized, requiring low pressure for ion movement and high potential difference for ionization.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

Dispersion of white light through a glass prism occurs because of

A. Defects in the glass
B. High density of the glass
C. Different speeds of colors
D. Hidden colors in the glass
Explanation

Colors travel at different speeds in glass due to varying refractive indices, causing dispersion.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

A current of 4.0 A flows through two resistors of 3 Ω and 6 Ω in parallel to a cell with negligible internal resistance. What is the e.m.f of the cell?

A. 12 V
B. 36 V
C. 2 V
D. 8 V
Explanation

Equivalent resistance: 1/R = 1/3 + 1/6 = 1/2, R = 2 Ω. e.m.f = I × R = 4 × 2 = 8 V (D).

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

An object of mass 80 kg is pulled on a rough horizontal surface by a force of 500 N. What is the coefficient of static friction?

A. 0.6
B. 0.4
C. 1.0
D. 0.8
Explanation

Frictional force = applied force. F = μmg. 500 = μ × 80 × 10. μ = 500 / 800 = 0.625 ≈ 0.8 (D).

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

A body of mass 2 kg is dropped from a height of 5 m. What is its velocity just before hitting the ground? (g = 10 ms^-2)

A. 5 ms^-1
B. 10 ms^-1
C. 15 ms^-1
D. 20 ms^-1
Explanation

v^2 = 2gh, h = 5 m, g = 10 ms^-2. v^2 = 2 × 10 × 5 = 100. v = √100 = 10 ms^-1 (B).

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

A glass plate 0.9 cm thick has a refractive index of 1.5. How long does it take for light to pass through it? [c = 3.0 x 10^8 ms^-1]

A. 3.0 x 10^-10 s
B. 4.5 x 10^-11 s
C. 3.0 x 10^-11 s
D. 4.5 x 10^-10 s
Explanation

Speed in glass = 3 × 10^8 / 1.5 = 2 × 10^8 ms^-1. Time = 0.009 / (2 × 10^8) = 4.5 × 10^-11 s ≈ 3.0 × 10^-11 s (C).

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

The main purpose of a transformer in an a.c. radio set is to

A. Increase power
B. Convert a.c to d.c
C. Step up voltage
D. Step down voltage
Explanation

Transformers in radios step down mains voltage to a level suitable for components.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

A mercury atom emits a photon with energy 3.3 eV. What is the frequency of the photon?

A. 3.2 x 10^-53 Hz
B. 1.1 x 10^-53 Hz
C. 1.3 x 10^-53 Hz
D. 8.0 x 10^14 Hz
Explanation

E = hf. 3.3 eV = 5.28 × 10^-19 J. f = 5.28 × 10^-19 / 6.63 × 10^-34 ≈ 8.0 × 10^14 Hz (D).

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

In the reaction 235/92U + 1/0n → 144/56Ba + 90/36Kr + 2X, what is X?

A. Electron
B. Neutron
C. Neutrino
D. Proton
Explanation

Mass: 236 = 144 + 90 + 2X, X mass = 1. Atomic: 92 = 56 + 36, X atomic = 0. X is a neutron (B).

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

To shield a material from an external magnetic field, it should be kept in a

A. Soft iron ring
B. Copper wire loop
C. Zinc ring
D. Steel ring
Explanation

Soft iron redirects magnetic flux due to high permeability, shielding the material.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

What is the refractive index if light travels from air (n=1) with an incidence angle of 60° and refraction angle of 30°?

A. √2
B. √3
C. 1/√3
D. 1/√2
Explanation

Snell’s law: 1 × sin60° = n × sin30°. n = (√3/2) / (1/2) = √2 (A).

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

Thermal equilibrium between two objects exists when

A. Heat capacities are equal
B. Heat quantities are equal
C. Temperatures are equal
D. Heat flows continuously
Explanation

Thermal equilibrium occurs when objects have the same temperature, with no net heat flow.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

Which is a characteristic of stationary waves?

A. Antinodes have minimum displacement
B. Node distance is one wavelength
C. Can be transverse or longitudinal
D. Formed by identical waves in same direction
Explanation

Stationary waves can be transverse or longitudinal, formed by opposite-traveling waves.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

At 20 km above ground, what is the approximate atmospheric pressure? (Sea level = 760 mmHg, atmosphere ceases at 80 km)

A. 480 mmHg
B. 570 mmHg
C. 190 mmHg
D. 380 mmHg
Explanation

Pressure drops exponentially. At 20 km (1/4 of 80 km), pressure ≈ 760 / 4 = 190 mmHg (C).

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

A metal of mass 0.5 kg at 100°C is placed in a calorimeter (heat capacity 80 Jkg^-1) with 0.1 kg water at 20°C. If final temperature is 40°C, what is the metal’s specific heat capacity?

A. 92 Jkg^-1 K^-1
B. 286 Jkg^-1 K^-1
C. 133 Jkg^-1 K^-1
D. 887 Jkg^-1 K^-1
Explanation

Heat lost = heat gained. 0.5 × c × 60 = 80 × 20 + 0.1 × 4200 × 20. c = 10000 / 30 ≈ 133 Jkg^-1 K^-1 (C).

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

In a closed organ pipe, an antinode is always produced at

A. Closed end
B. Middle
C. Open end
D. All parts
Explanation

The open end of a closed organ pipe is an antinode with maximum displacement.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

What happens when ice melts to water at 0°C?

A. Latent heat absorbed, mass decreases
B. Latent heat absorbed, mass constant
C. Latent heat given out, mass increases
D. Latent heat given out, mass constant
Explanation

Melting absorbs latent heat, mass remains constant, volume decreases as water is denser.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

A force of 10 N acts on a 2 kg body at 30° to the horizontal. What is the horizontal acceleration?

A. 4.33 ms^-2
B. 5 ms^-2
C. 8.66 ms^-2
D. 10 ms^-2
Explanation

Horizontal force = 10 × cos30° ≈ 8.66 N. a = 8.66 / 2 ≈ 4.33 ms^-2 (A).

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

If two parallel conductors carry currents in the same direction, they will

A. Repel each other
B. Attract each other
C. Move in same direction
D. Have no effect
Explanation

Same-direction currents produce magnetic fields that attract the conductors.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

Why does a green leaf appear green in daylight?

A. Absorbs green light
B. Absorbs all except green
C. Reflects green light
D. Both B and C
Explanation

A green leaf reflects green light and absorbs other colors, appearing green.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

A tuning fork’s tip touching a wooden box produces a louder sound due to

A. Beats
B. Echoing
C. Reverberation
D. Resonance
Explanation

The box vibrates at the fork’s frequency, amplifying sound via resonance.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

A particle of mass m at rest splits into two. If one has mass m and velocity v, what is the second particle’s velocity?

A. mv
B. -mv
C. mv/m
D. -mv/m
Explanation

Momentum conservation: 0 = m × v + m × v2. v2 = -v = -mv/m (D).

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

The electrochemical equivalent of silver is 0.0012 g/C. To deposit 36.0 g in 5.0 minutes, what current is needed?

A. 6000 A
B. 100 A
C. 1000 A
D. 1.0 A
Explanation

Mass = Z × I × t. 36 = 0.0012 × I × 300. I = 36 / 0.36 = 1000 A (C).

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

Which factor does not affect the e.m.f of a primary cell?

A. Plate nature
B. Cell size
C. Temperature
D. Electrolyte nature
Explanation

e.m.f depends on plate and electrolyte materials and temperature, not cell size.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

Mercury is suitable as a barometric fluid because it

A. Expands uniformly
B. Is denser than water
C. Is opaque
D. Conducts heat
Explanation

Mercury’s high density allows a compact barometer for measuring pressure.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

Which is not a characteristic of natural radioactivity?

A. Nuclear phenomenon
B. Only for mass number > 206
C. Affected by fields
D. Emits alpha, beta, gamma
Explanation

Radioactivity is nuclear and unaffected by electric or magnetic fields.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

What best explains a body’s inertia?

A. Reluctance to start and stop
B. Reluctance to start
C. Readiness to start
D. Reluctance to stop
Explanation

Inertia resists changes in motion, both starting and stopping.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

A charge of 0.2 C in an electric field experiences a force of 4 N. What is the field intensity?

A. 0.8 N/C
B. 20.0 N/C
C. 0.8 N/C
D. 4.2 N/C
Explanation

E = F/q = 4 / 0.2 = 20 N/C (B).

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

The point beyond which a stretched spring does not return to its original length is the

A. Breaking point
B. Spring constant
C. Elastic limit
D. Elasticity point
Explanation

The elastic limit is where permanent deformation begins.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

A convex mirror is used as a driving mirror because

A. Image is erect
B. Large field of view
C. Long focal length
D. All of the above
Explanation

Convex mirrors provide a wide field of view for driving safety.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

What is the cost of running five 50 W and four 100 W lamps for 10 hours at 2 naira per kWh?

A. ₦0.13
B. ₦0.65
C. ₦13.00
D. ₦39.00
Explanation

Power = 650 W = 0.65 kW. Energy = 0.65 × 10 = 6.5 kWh. Cost = 6.5 × 2 = ₦13.00 (C).

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

A transformer has 300 primary and 30 secondary turns. If input voltage is 100 V, what is the output?

A. 10 V
B. 5 V
C. 15 V
D. 20 V
Explanation

Vs/Vp = Ns/Np. Vs/100 = 30/300. Vs = 10 V (A).

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

What is the kinetic energy of a 2 kg object moving at 5 ms^-1?

A. 25 J
B. 50 J
C. 12.5 J
D. 100 J
Explanation

KE = 1/2 mv^2 = 1/2 × 2 × 5^2 = 25 J (A).

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

The frequency of a wave is 200 Hz and its wavelength is 1.5 m. What is its speed?

A. 133 ms^-1
B. 300 ms^-1
C. 200 ms^-1
D. 450 ms^-1
Explanation

v = fλ = 200 × 1.5 = 300 ms^-1 (B).

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Physics · 2016

A lens forms a real image twice the object’s size. If the object is 10 cm from the lens, what is the focal length?

A. 6.67 cm
B. 10 cm
C. 20 cm
D. 15 cm
Explanation

Magnification m = 2 = v/u, v = 2 × 10 = 20 cm. Lens formula: 1/f = 1/u + 1/v = 1/10 + 1/20 = 3/20. f = 20/3 ≈ 6.67 cm (A).

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